- 7 hours ago
I Divorced His Whole Family - FULL EPISODE
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Short filmTranscript
00:00For three years, my husband took his whole family on trips without me.
00:03Just smiled as I waved them off.
00:04The moment they left, I listed the house for sale.
00:06Two weeks later, Liam dragged his suitcase home.
00:09The locks were changed.
00:09A stranger was living inside.
00:11I sent one text.
00:13House is sold.
00:14Divorce papers are filed.
00:15It's the same as usual this year, Emily.
00:17I stopped wiping the table.
00:19I looked at him.
00:19At his mother, Margaret, and father, Richard, behind him.
00:22At his sister, Jennifer, and her husband, David, beside him.
00:24At their young son, little Mike, holding their hands.
00:26A family of six.
00:27We're off to the Maldivos for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
00:30The tickets are expensive, and you'd be bored alone.
00:33Someone has to watch the house.
00:34Yeah, Emily, we'll be back soon.
00:36For three years, it had been these same lines.
00:38Word for word.
00:39The first year, I cried.
00:40The second year, I fought.
00:42This was the third year.
00:43I smiled.
00:44Okay.
00:45He'd probably rehearsed a whole arsenal of arguments.
00:48Ready for my questions, my tears, my hysteria.
00:50Well, be good at home.
00:51Text if you need anything.
00:52Okay, it was all useless.
00:53Enough money?
00:54Plenty.
00:54All right then, we're off.
01:07Ryan, it's Emily.
01:10Emily, finally came around?
01:12Finally did.
01:13Sell the house.
01:14Great.
01:15I'll bring people over right away.
01:17I'll get you at great price.
01:18Don't bother.
01:21Ryan, I need it sold fast.
01:23Price, you can go 10% below market.
01:25Sweetheart, you sure that's not pocket chug?
01:27I'm sure.
01:28Sell it now.
01:28Red one I'd brought with me when I married him three years ago.
01:31Now it was time for it to leave with me too.
01:33This house, I didn't want it anymore.
01:34This so-called husband, I didn't want him either.
01:37His family loved being all together, so I'd grant them their wish.
01:40I folded my clothes, one by one, placing them in the suitcase.
01:43Slowly, like saying goodbye.
01:45Goodbye to three years of foolishness.
01:47I didn't have much of my own.
01:48One suitcase.
01:49Held it all.
01:50Finally, from the very back of the nightstand, I took out a document.
01:53The deed.
01:54Only my name was on it.
01:55My parents' gift.
01:56My only solid ground.
01:57I put the document in my innermost pocket.
01:59Stood up.
02:00Took one last look at the room.
02:01The curtains I chose.
02:02The bedsheets I picked.
02:03Our wedding photo still hung on the wall.
02:05Liam looked so gentle in that picture.
02:07I looked so happy.
02:08How ironic.
02:09I walked over.
02:10Took the photo down.
02:11Smashed it on the floor.
02:13The sound of shattering glass was crisp.
02:16The most beautiful sound this house had heard in three years.
02:24Sweetheart, I'm at your community gate.
02:26Brought two clients, both serious all-cash buyers.
02:29Come on up.
02:30The door's unlocked.
02:32Emily, let me introduce you.
02:34Both gentlemen are interested in your place.
02:36Mr. Robert, Mr. Lucas.
02:38Look around.
02:41Nice finishes, good location, but fresh fight?
02:46No.
02:47Fresh divorce.
02:51Ladies got guts.
02:52I like dealing with people who have guts.
02:55I'll take Ryan's price.
02:5610% under market, all cash.
02:58We can sign today.
03:04Ma'am, can you decide?
03:06I thought of three years ago.
03:08The first time I argued with Liam in this house.
03:10Because Margaret said her room had to be the biggest, and the master bedroom was the biggest.
03:14Liam asked me to give it up.
03:15Emily, she's my mom.
03:17Just respect your elders.
03:18I refused.
03:19It was my marital home, bought by my parent.
03:21Why are you being so difficult?
03:23Liam's face turned cold for the first time.
03:25In the end, I gave in.
03:26We moved to the smaller guest room.
03:28I thought my compromises would bring family harmony.
03:31Instead, it only brought their escalating demands.
03:33They saw me as an accessory in this house.
03:35A disposable piece of furniture.
03:37Now, I was going to set everything right.
03:41I can decide.
03:42Let's go to your office and sign the contract now.
03:46Deal!
03:47Ma'am, I'm buying your house.
03:49Great, great.
03:50Let's go get it done.
03:51It went smoother than I could have imagined.
03:53By 4 p.m., we were in the contract room at the real estate office.
03:57Lucas brought his lawyer.
03:58I'd called my best friend, Sarah.
03:59She's a lawyer.
04:00When Sarah got my call, she thought I'd lost my mind.
04:03Emily, are you really sure?
04:04I've never been more sure.
04:09Okay, I'm with you.
04:11That man isn't worth it.
04:12Total price, $700,000.
04:15Lucas would pay a 50% deposit up front $350,000.
04:18The remaining balance upon completion of the title transfer.
04:20Since it was premarital property, only my name was on the deed.
04:23The transaction was very simple.
04:25No signature from Liam required.
04:26Signed.
04:27Fingerpinted.
04:28Your account has received a deposit of $350,000.
04:34I looked at that string of numbers.
04:36Felt nothing.
04:37Emily!
04:39You did it!
04:40I just smiled.
04:44Pleasure doing business.
04:45Likewise.
04:47Can I take possession now?
04:49Of course.
04:50Here are the keys.
04:53Liam's key.
04:54Margaret's key.
04:55Jennifer's.
04:56All their SPEP keys were on it.
04:58Now, they weren't mine anymore.
05:00Then I won't stand on ceremony.
05:02I'll head over to change the rocks now.
05:04Alright.
05:10It's over.
05:11No.
05:13This is just the beginning.
05:15I had one last step.
05:18Divorce.
05:20They should be arriving in the Maldives around now.
05:23No rush.
05:25I'd wait for him to return.
05:27I wanted to see his face when he stood before a home that was no longer his.
05:31I wanted him to taste what having nothing felt like.
05:34What's your plan?
05:35Rent an apartment first?
05:36Yeah.
05:36I can help you look.
05:37No need.
05:37I'll do it myself.
05:38From now on, I'd make all my own decisions.
05:40I booked a hotel to stay in temporarily.
05:42Then started looking for apartments online.
05:44A small one-bedroom would be enough.
05:46Close to my office.
05:47I still had my job.
05:48My life wouldn't stop because of a man.
05:49That evening, Liam texted me.
05:51A picture.
05:51Blue skies and white clouds over the Maldives.
05:53He even remembered he had a wife.
05:54I looked at the photo.
05:55In the corner was Jennifer's peace sign.
05:57And Margaret's profile and sunglasses.
05:58They looked so happy.
05:59Good.
06:00I was glad.
06:00I locked my phone screen.
06:02I hope they enjoyed themselves out there.
06:04I stayed at the hotel for three days.
06:06In three days, I found a new apartment.
06:08One bedroom, one bath, fully furnished, move-in ready.
06:10Just two blocks from my office.
06:12I used the deposit money to pay a full year's rent up front.
06:14Sarah helped me move.
06:15There wasn't much to move.
06:16Just one suitcase and a bank account with $260,000.
06:19You're a little rich lady now.
06:21Not enough.
06:22Once I get the final payment, I'm going to look for a small condo downtown.
06:26I'm buying a place that's completely 100% mine.
06:31No one else gets to live in it but me.
06:33Emily, you've changed.
06:34You used to always say family harmony was the most important thing.
06:38Yeah, I last thought I was so stupid back then.
06:40I kept thinking if I took a step back, the sky would clear.
06:43Instead, I took a hundred steps back and they wanted me to jump off a cliff.
06:46Honey, you work so hard.
06:47I'll take care of you from now on.
06:49Three years ago, just married.
06:50Liam was busy with work, so I quit my job to take care of the home.
06:53I cooked different meals for him every day.
06:54Treated his parents like my own.
06:56Treated his sister like a real sister.
06:57I thought I could become part of their family in their eyes.
06:59A tool for bearing Liam's children and taking care of their lives.
07:03First New Year's holiday.
07:04The family said they were going to Miami.
07:05I said, great, I'll book the tickets.
07:06Plan the itinerary.
07:07They went without me.
07:08Oh, Emily, you better not come.
07:10Who will take care of all the things at home?
07:12Yeah, honey, the tickets are pretty expensive too.
07:14Think of it as saving money for us.
07:15That was the first time they went on a holiday without me.
07:17Alone, I guarded the empty house.
07:19Watched the fireworks outside the window.
07:21Cried the whole night.
07:22The second year, they were going to the Bahamas.
07:24Same reason.
07:25You watch the house.
07:26This time, I had a huge fight with Liam.
07:29Emily, can't you be more understanding?
07:31My mom's not well.
07:32It's not easy for her to travel.
07:33Can't you just let her be happy?
07:34We're a family.
07:35Do you have to draw lines like this?
07:37You're really disappointing me.
07:39That was the second time they went on a holiday without me.
07:41Alone, I guarded the empty house.
07:43My heart slowly turned to ice.
07:45This year, they were going to the Malgives.
07:47Even farther.
07:48They announced it at the family dinner table.
07:49No one asked for my opinion.
07:51As if I didn't exist at all.
07:52I put down my fork.
07:53I didn't want to fight them any.
07:54It was pointless.
07:54I just wanted to leave.
07:56Clean.
07:57What are you thinking about?
08:01Nothing.
08:03It's all in the past.
08:04The new place was small but cozy.
08:07I bought myself a bouquet of flowers.
08:09Put them in a vase.
08:12These past few days, Liam texted me every day.
08:14Sometimes a Maldives beach.
08:16Sometimes an ocean view.
08:18I replied, yes.
08:19He never said more.
08:20He was just going through the motions.
08:21A routine of I still care about you.
08:24He couldn't even be bothered to call.
08:26How laughful.
08:28Emily, all the title transfer paperwork is done.
08:30When's a good time to settle the final payment?
08:32Anytime.
08:33How about tomorrow?
08:3410 a.m. at the bank.
08:36Sure.
08:36The next day, I got the remaining $350,000.
08:40$700,000 total.
08:41Every cent.
08:42The first thing I did was transfer $10,000 to Sarah for your legal fees.
08:45Are you crazy?
08:47We're friends.
08:48We don't talk about money.
08:49You have to take it.
08:51I sent it again.
08:52This isn't about the money.
08:53It's about my stance.
08:54I want all unclear accounts from the past settled.
08:58For good.
08:59Whether it's emotional debts or financial ones.
09:02You helped me.
09:04You deserve to be paid.
09:05That's the rule.
09:06This was a friend.
09:08This was family.
09:09Not those people who sucked your blood under the banner of for your own good.
09:14One last thing.
09:16Hello.
09:17I'd like to consult about filing for divorce.
09:19What's the situation, ma'am?
09:20My husband has subjected me to long-term emotional abuse during the marriage.
09:24He and his family have consistently excluded and isolated me.
09:27I have evidence they left me home alone for holidays for three consecutive years.
09:31The house in my name has already been sold.
09:34It's pre-marriage property.
09:35No dispute there.
09:36I don't have other demands.
09:38I just want a divorce.
09:40Immediately.
09:41Sufficient evidence.
09:42Clear facts.
09:43Your request is straightforward.
09:45We can prepare the petition for you right away.
09:50Okay.
09:53Leaving the law form, the sky was blue.
09:56I calculated the timing.
09:58In a few more days, Liam and his family should be back.
10:01I was kind of looking forward to it.
10:03Looking forward to the expression on his face when he saw the new lock on the door.
10:06My new apartment key was just a single one.
10:09I placed it on the entryway tray.
10:11No more heavy key ring with Liam's, Margaret's, Jennifer's names on it.
10:15That feeling was called freedom.
10:17I started working again.
10:19Three years away from the job market, I was a bit rusty.
10:22But my brain still worked.
10:25My skills were still there.
10:27I quickly got back into the rhythm.
10:30Emily.
10:30Your resume had a gap for the past few years.
10:33I was a bit worried when I hired you.
10:35But your performance this past week has been a pleasant surprise.
10:41Keep it up.
10:43Thank you, director.
10:45I left the office, went back to my desk.
10:47A news alert popped up in the bottom corner of my computer screen.
10:50Return travel peak for the holidays, airports packed.
10:53I did the math.
10:55Tomorrow was New Year's Eve.
10:56Liam and his family should be back soon.
10:59My phone vibrated.
11:00A text from Liam.
11:02He sent a picture of Jennifer's son, Little Mike.
11:04Little Mike riding a dolphin plush toy, laughing happily every day.
11:08I looked at that sentence.
11:10Found it ironic.
11:11His whole family were great actors.
11:14Last year, Little Mike threw the new backpack I bought him on the ground and stepped on it.
11:18Because his mom, Jennifer, said,
11:19Things your aunt buys are cheap, low class.
11:21I was right there.
11:22Jennifer saw me.
11:23Showed no embarrassment.
11:24Emily.
11:25Don't mind him.
11:26Kids don't know any better.
11:27I believed it then.
11:29Now I realized, kids understand everything.
11:31The one who didn't know better was me.
11:33I texted Liam back.
11:35Okay.
11:36He quickly sent another.
11:37Honey, did you do the big house cleaning?
11:39It's the new year.
11:40Should be nice and clean.
11:41I read that text.
11:42Could almost see him leaning back on a sofa, enjoying Maldivian sunshine,
11:47taking it for granted to give me orders.
11:49I replied, done.
11:51He was probably satisfied with my compliance.
11:53Sent another.
11:53Thanks, honey.
11:54We'll bring you back a gift.
11:55A gift?
11:56I didn't need it anymore.
11:58Their leaving was the best gift.
11:59I closed the chat window.
12:00Focused on work.
12:02After work, I didn't go straight home.
12:03Went to a mall.
12:04Bought myself a new coat.
12:05Camel colored.
12:07Expensive.
12:07A brand I would never have dared buy before.
12:09Bought myself a new skincare set too.
12:11Stood in front of the mirror.
12:13Looked at myself.
12:14Pale, but my eyes were bright.
12:15A light of having come back to life.
12:17That night, I slept well.
12:19No dreams.
12:21Slept straight through till morning.
12:23Next day was New Year's Eve.
12:25The company let out half a day early.
12:28Emily, alone tonight?
12:30Yeah.
12:30Hey, if you want to come over, we're doing a thing at my place.
12:32My parents were asking about you too.
12:34No, Sarah, I want to be alone.
12:37Okay.
12:37Well, if you need anything, just call, okay?
12:39All right.
12:41Hung up.
12:42Went to the supermarket downstairs.
12:43Bought a lot of groceries.
12:45All things I liked.
12:47I cooked myself a lavish New Year's Eve dinner.
12:51Main course with salad and soup.
12:53Opened a bottle of red wine.
12:55Poured myself a glass.
12:56The TV showed the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration.
13:00Lively.
13:01This quiet made me feel at peace.
13:04At 10 p.m., my phone rang.
13:06A video call request.
13:09I hesitated, then answered.
13:11On screen, his whole family's faces appeared.
13:14Background was a fancy restaurant, brightly lit.
13:16Happy New Year!
13:18Look at the lobster we're eating!
13:20Don't skimp on dinner alone at home, okay?
13:27Honey, Happy New Year.
13:29We're coming back tomorrow.
13:30They all had happy, beaming smiles.
13:33They thought I, on this end, would be envious, jealous.
13:36Would force a smile in like previous years and say,
13:38Have fun!
13:39I looked at them.
13:41And smiled.
13:42Happy New Year.
13:45Then I turned the camera towards my dining table.
13:47Lavish dinner.
13:48Glass of red wine.
13:49My dinner is pretty good, too.
13:52On the other end, everyone smiles frozen.
13:55Especially Margaret.
13:56She probably never imagined I could live so well alone.
14:00Alright, won't disturb you all anymore.
14:02Have a safe trip.
14:11I knew this was the last calm before the storm.
14:14Liam's return flight was scheduled to land at 10 a.m. the next day.
14:17From the airport home with traffic, meaning they'd arrive before noon.
14:19I woke up at 7 a.m. as usual.
14:21Made myself a simple breakfast.
14:22Changed.
14:23Went to the office.
14:23It was New Year's Day, company holiday.
14:25But I'd requested to work.
14:26Sitting in the empty office, I started tackling the backlog from the past few days.
14:29Time ticked.
14:299 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m.
14:32My phone stayed quiet.
14:33Unusually quiet.
14:34Maybe the flight was delayed.
14:35Maybe they were busy with luggage after landing.
14:37Hadn't gotten around to it yet.
14:38I didn't think too much.
14:39Kept working.
14:4011.30 a.m.
14:41My phone finally started vibrating.
14:42First call.
14:43From Liam.
14:44I watched the name flash on screen.
14:45Didn't answer.
14:46Let it ring.
14:46Let it stop.
14:47Then, a second.
14:48A third.
14:48He was persistent.
14:49Before the fourth call came, a text arrived.
14:51I read those lines, imagined him downstairs, sticking that now-unless key into the new lock
14:56cylinder over and over.
14:58A few times.
14:59I didn't reply.
15:00The phone vibrations came intense.
15:01Not just from Liam anymore.
15:03This call came in.
15:04Gattle Keys' call came in.
15:05They took turns bombarding me like crazy.
15:07I flipped my phone over, screened down on the desk.
15:09Out of sight, out of mind.
15:11But the text notation sound couldn't be turned off.
15:13One after another, popping up in the bottom corner of my computer screen.
15:17Now, where the hell are you?
15:18What's your problem?
15:19Locking us out.
15:20Answer, what the hell are you-
15:21Their patience was running out fast.
15:23Their tone shifted from confusion to anger.
15:26I turned off the computer notifications for texts.
15:28Stood up, went to the pantry to make myself a coffee.
15:31The coffee smelled good.
15:33Holding the cup, I stood by the window.
15:35Downstairs was empty.
15:36No pedestrians.
15:37It was a quiet new year.
15:39My new year.
15:40Noon.
15:41The phone bombardage paused for a bit.
15:43I guess they might have called a locksmith.
15:45Or were asking neighbors about me.
15:47Sure enough, not long after, texts came again.
15:50What the fuck are you doing?
15:54A bit later, he sent a voice message.
15:56I played it.
15:58Background noise was chaotic, strilding, impatient complaints.
16:01I'm giving you one last chance.
16:02Appear in front of me right now in this door.
16:04Or face the-
16:04Face the consequences?
16:06I laughed.
16:07Hadn't I been facing the consequences for the past three years?
16:10I didn't reply.
16:11Quietly finished the last sip of coffee.
16:13Then, I picked up my phone.
16:15Unlocked it.
16:16Opened contacts.
16:17Found a number.
16:18Lucas.
16:19The buzzed-up guy who bought my house.
16:21I sent a text.
16:22Happy New Year.
16:22Sorry to bother you.
16:23Did you go to the house I sold today?
16:25Happy New Year.
16:25Now I've got two buddies staying in my house sitting there.
16:27Why?
16:27I said there are some people at the door.
16:28My ex-husband and his family.
16:30Trying to bring you have your buddies handle it.
16:31If they don't leave, call the police.
16:33Holy shit.
16:33The nerve got it.
16:34I'll handle this.
16:35I replied, thanks.
16:37I put down the phone.
16:38I knew the real show was about to start.
16:41They weren't facing the compliant, yielding me anymore.
16:44They were facing someone they couldn't mess with.
16:50You psycho!
16:51Who the hell did you rent our house to?
16:53Who the hell is your wife?
16:54This is my buddy's house.
16:55Get lost now or I'll break your legs.
16:58Ow!
16:58He hit me!
16:59Is there no law anymore?
17:01Law!
17:01I am the law!
17:02Get the hell out!
17:07Emily, where are you?
17:08Who did you rent to?
17:09Who are they?
17:10They threw us out!
17:11Our luggage is still in the hallway!
17:13For the first time, a trace of fear colored his tone.
17:17He probably thought I'd gotten some gang members involved.
17:19I waited a bit.
17:20Waited for his emotions to settle slightly, but not completely.
17:22Then, I started typing.
17:24Slowly, one character at a time.
17:26I imagined him standing in the cold community wind, guarding six or seven large suitcases
17:30embarrassed family beside him, anxiously waiting for my reply, like a prisoner awaiting sentencing.
17:34I finished editing that message.
17:36Checked it once.
17:36No type aids.
17:38Then, I pressed send.
17:39The house isn't rented.
17:41It's sold.
17:42And we're done.
17:42My lawyer will send you the divorce papers.
17:44May your whole family spend the new year together and homeless.
17:48Message sent.
17:49I saw the dialogue box appear.
17:51Then, I performed one final action.
17:53Held down Liam's number.
17:55Clicked.
17:55Block this caller.
17:57Found Margaret.
17:57Blocked.
17:58Jennifer.
17:59Blocked.
17:59Every single person connected to his family, I cleaned them out, one by one.
18:03After finishing, I threw the phone on the desk.
18:05Let out a long, deep breath.
18:06Like removing a heavy stone plaid I'd carried for three years.
18:10Sunlight through the blinds cast dappled light and shadow on the desk.
18:13The world had never felt so clear.
18:15I knew it wasn't completely over yet.
18:16They'd try to find me.
18:17Come to my office or go to my parents' place.
18:20But I was prepared for everything.
18:21It's begun.
18:22Sarah replied.
18:23Got it.
18:23We'll deal with whatever comes.
18:24Don't worry.
18:25I'm here.
18:25I briefed the company receptionist.
18:27If anyone came asking for me, say I was on a business trip.
18:30I called my parents.
18:31Told them I was getting a divorce.
18:33Sold the house.
18:35On the other end, my dad was silent for a long time.
18:38Just said one sentence.
18:40Come home, sweetheart.
18:41Our door is always open for you.
18:44My tears finally fell then.
18:46But they weren't tears of sadness.
18:48They were tears of grievance.
18:50Of release.
18:51Of rebirth.
18:52I wiped my tears.
18:53Looked out the window.
18:55I knew my life was truly starting over from this day.
18:58As for Liam and his family, how long would they stand downstairs?
19:01How would they handle that mountain of luggage?
19:03Where would they sleep tonight?
19:04A hotel?
19:04Or some friend's cold living room?
19:06I didn't know.
19:07And I didn't want to know.
19:08Their story was no longer related with mine.
19:16Impossible.
19:17How could Emily dare?
19:21She'd gone crazy.
19:22She must have lost her mind.
19:24What's going on?
19:25What did that bitch say?
19:35She sold?
19:36She sold our house?
19:39Mom!
19:39Keep your voice down.
19:41For three holidays, this family left grandly, leaving Emily to house sit.
19:44Everyone in the community knew.
19:46Now they were like stray dogs, locked out of their own home.
19:49All their dignity shattered into pieces at this moment.
19:51Liam, what do we do now?
19:53Where do we stay tonight?
19:54Little Mike is freezing.
19:55Stop arguing.
19:56Find a place to stay first.
19:58Where?
19:58A hotel?
19:59Hotels are so expensive during the holidays.
20:01We spent all our money in the Maldives.
20:03You useless old man.
20:05All you do is talk.
20:07He dialed my number again and again.
20:08Always hearing the number you have dialed is currently unavailable.
20:11He knew.
20:11He was blocked.
20:12He used his mom's phone.
20:13His sister's phone.
20:14Same result.
20:15A massive panic mixed with boundless rage gripped his heart.
20:17He really couldn't reach her anymore.
20:18The woman he thought would always rage for him had vanished.
20:20Let's go.
20:21Home.
20:22Which home?
20:23Ours was sold.
20:24To my parents' place!
20:47He couldn't figure it out.
20:48Dot, where did he go wrong?
20:50Was it the first Miami trip three years ago without her?
20:52Or yelling at her last year for being difficult?
20:55Or this year announcing the mall's trip at De Ante?
20:57Ignoring her completely.
20:58He couldn't remember.
20:59He thought this time would be the same.
21:01He only remembered Emily was always compliant.
21:04Always Eileen.
21:05A bottle of perfume to appease her.
21:07How laughable that seemed now.
21:09It's all your fault!
21:11Useless!
21:12Can't even control your wife again!
21:14Why?
21:15Upslices!
21:15Can't even the curl!
21:17Oh no!
21:18Dive!
21:18No home!
21:19Now look!
21:22Only one thought filled his mind.
21:24Find Emily.
21:25He had to find her.
21:25He refused to believe she could disappear into thin air.
21:28He still had ways.
21:29It could go to her office.
21:30He could go to her parents.
21:31He'd drag her back.
21:32Make her kneel and apologize.
21:34Make her cough up the house.
21:35The money.
21:36Yes, it had to work.
21:37He didn't realize from the moment he had that thought.
21:39He'd already lost.
21:40Lost completely.
21:49Emily?
21:50Why are you here today?
21:52Nothing to do at home.
21:53Thought I'd come in.
21:54Dedication is good.
21:56But rest is important too.
21:58Go home.
21:59Happy New Year.
21:59Thanks, Director.
22:01Happy New Year.
22:23I knew this wasn't the end.
22:29Liam's personality.
22:31He wouldn't give up so easily.
22:33He'd try everything to find me.
22:36Midway through the movie, my other phone rang.
22:38The one I used only for family.
22:40Caller ID.
22:41Dad.
22:41I answered.
22:42Hey, Dad.
22:43Emily.
22:45My dad's voice sounded steady.
22:49Liam just called us.
22:51My heart dropped, but I wasn't surprised.
22:54What did he say?
22:56What do you think?
22:57First, pretended to care.
22:59Asked if you were home.
23:01Said he couldn't reach you.
23:02Was worried.
23:03I said, don't worry about her.
23:05She's fine.
23:06Then he started questioning.
23:07Asked why you sold the house.
23:09Why you weren't answering his calls.
23:10His tone was very aggressive, like we owed him something.
23:13I could imagine Liam's furious rant over the phone.
23:17Dad, you didn't get angry, did you?
23:20Why would I be angry?
23:21I just found it laughable.
23:23What he did, doesn't know.
23:25And he comes questioning us?
23:30I told him, first, the house is your premarital property.
23:33You sell it if you want.
23:34None of his business.
23:35Second, your marriage is over.
23:37After the holidays, my lawyer will contact him directly about the divorce.
23:40Finally, I told him never to call our house again.
23:43He's not welcome here.
23:45Hearing my dad's clear, firm words.
23:48My nose stung.
23:49I used to think my dad was too nice, not good with words.
23:53Turns out, when protecting me, he could be so resoluvit.
23:57Dad, thank you.
23:59Silly child.
24:00No need to thank your dad.
24:02He didn't bully you, did he?
24:04No.
24:06I'm fine.
24:07Good.
24:08Remember, your mom and I are here for anything.
24:11The sky won't fall.
24:15After hanging up, I hugged my knees, sat on the sofa for a long time.
24:20Outside, the sky darkened bit by bit.
24:22City lights came on, one by one.
24:26Countless warm lights, but not a single one for Liam and his family.
24:38What did I do to deserve this?
24:40Letting such a disaster into our home.
24:44She's ruined us.
24:46Exactly.
24:47Look at her dad's attitude, just like her.
24:49So arrogant.
24:51That whole family is rotten.
25:00Calling Emily's parents was his last hope.
25:02He thought old people were always soft-hearted,
25:04always wanted their children's families to be harmonious.
25:06If he acted humble, said some sweet words,
25:09they'd surely help persuade Emily.
25:10He never expected, he couldn't even get past Emily's father dot the other side was harder
25:14than stone, and said a lawyer would contact him.
25:17A lawyer.
25:18Hearing that word made Liam's scalp tingle.
25:21He didn't know much about the law, but he knew once it went to court, he had no advantage.
25:26The house was Emily's premarital property.
25:29The money from the sale was in Emily's account.
25:32He'd get nothing.
25:33Three years of marriage, and the result was getting kicked out with nothing.
25:36He couldn't accept that.
25:38All his anger, after hitting a wall, started turning into a cold calculation.
25:42Dot if force didn't work, he'd try soft tactics.
25:46If she hid from him, he'd go where she had to appear.
25:48Her office.
25:49He took out his phone, started searching online for Emily's company address.
25:53He'd go tomorrow.
25:55Wait for her downstairs, at her office, dot ask her, in front of all her colleagues, just
26:00what she thought she was doing.
26:02He'd make her lose face.
26:03Make her unable to stay at her job.
26:05He thought it was a brilliant plan.
26:06If he could seize Emily's concern for face, she'd have to yield.
26:10A ferocious smile finally appeared on his face.
26:12The next day, third day of the new year, I went to work as usual.
26:16Not many people in the office yet.
26:18Quiet.
26:18I needed this quiet to think about my next steps.
26:21I knew Liam wouldn't give up.
26:23After hitting a wall with my parents, the only place he could think of was my office.
26:27I'd already briefed the receptionist and security.
26:29Described what he looked like for me.
26:31No matter the reason, don't let him in and notify me immediately.
26:3410 a.m.
26:35The receptionist's internal line rang.
26:36Emily, there's a Mr. Liam Wilson here to see you.
26:38Says he's your husband.
26:40I know.
26:40Do as I said.
26:41Okay.
26:41I didn't go downstairs.
26:43Didn't even walk to the window to look.
26:44I just opened the office internal network monitoring system.
26:47Pulled up the lobby feed.
26:48On screen.
26:49Wore the camel coat.
26:50He'd returned from the Malgeves Inn.
26:52His hair looked somewhat styled, but couldn't hide his haggardness and anxiety.
26:55Sir, I'm sorry.
26:56Without appointment, you can't go up.
26:57I'm her husband.
26:57I need an appointment to see my wife.
26:59Sorry, sir.
27:00Company policy.
27:01Tell Emily to come down.
27:02Tell her I'm here waiting.
27:03I've already notified her.
27:05But Emily says she's in a meeting and can't see guests.
27:08A meeting?
27:10Bullshit!
27:11Sir, please calm down.
27:13Don't cause a disturbance here.
27:14Ugh!
27:15Let go of me!
27:16Do you know who I am?
27:18In the lobby, the few employees coming and go cast curious and disdainful glances.
27:22He was like a clown, putting on a pathetic solo act on someone else's turf.
27:26I watched him on screen.
27:27Felt no anger, no pleasure, not even a ripple.
27:29This man was the one.
27:30The one I loved for three years.
27:31Gave my youth to.
27:32So this was what he looked like once you stripped away the gentle disguise.
27:36So desirable.
27:43Sir, if you cause any more trouble here, we will call the police.
27:51He knew I was in there somewhere, watching him like a joke.
27:55A huge sense of powerlessness and humiliation overwhelmed him.
28:00He realized he might have really, truly lost me.
28:05Lost everything.
28:10Emily, he's gone.
28:11Thanks for your help.
28:13Of course.
28:13But, Emily, you look like you won't give up easily.
28:16Be careful coming and going.
28:18Okay.
28:19I know.
28:20First round.
28:21I won.
28:22And won effortlessly.
28:23All of Liam's moves were within my expectations.
28:26He was like a fly trapped in a glass jar.
28:29Could see me, but never touch me.
28:31Could only smash against the glass wall, over and over.
28:33Getting badly hurt.
28:34Someone like him, after cornered dog, complete despair, was capable of anything.
28:39I needed to be prepared for his next, more crazy move.
28:46He came to the office, made a scene, or ambush you.
28:50I looked at the words protective order.
28:52Felt a slight heaviness in my heart.
28:56I never imagined the day would come when I'd need such a legal weapon between Liam and me.
29:10I looked at that sentence, fell silent.
29:13Maybe Sarah was right.
29:16My battle was far from over.
29:18However, I needed to be tougher, more resolute.
29:23News of Liam's scene at the office spread through the company like wildfire the next day.
29:28Walking into the office, I could clearly feel the glances cast on my back.
29:33Curiosity, sympathy, Shandon 4.
29:36Or, in the pantry, colleagues would whisper.
29:41When I entered, they'd immediately stop, awkwardly scatter.
29:46I didn't care.
29:48As usual, made coffee, handled emails, attended meetings.
29:52My calmness became better gossip fooder for them.
29:55Look at her, acting like nothing's wrong. Such strong nerves.
29:57Heard her husband was quite handsome.
29:59How did it come to this?
30:01Who knows? Every family has its troubles.
30:03Afternoon, the director called me in again.
30:06This time, his expression was more serious.
30:08Emily, we don't interfere in personal matters in principle.
30:12But what happened yesterday had a very bad impact.
30:16I hope it's the last time.
30:18Director, I promise, it won't happen again.
30:21Because soon, he won't be my husband anymore.
30:26All right, I get it. Go back to work.
30:33Back at my desk, a text from Sarah popped up.
30:36How's work?
30:37Fine. A little storm, manageable.
30:39Good. I just talked with my colleague at the firm.
30:41Liam's behavior constitutes harassment.
30:43If you need, we can apply to the court for a protective order
30:45to keep him away from you and your workplace.
30:47Let's wait a bit more.
30:50I want to see what other tricks he has.
30:52I wasn't preserving his dignity.
30:56I was collecting evidence.
30:59The crazier, the more out of line he was,
31:03the better for me in court.
31:06I didn't just want a successful divorce.
31:09I wanted him to pay the legal price for everything he'd done to me.
31:15That little witch's heart is so black,
31:17can't even get into her office trying to kill us!
31:20Liam, I asked our company's legal advisor today.
31:23He said Emily's house is premarital property.
31:26We get none of the money from the sale.
31:28Fighting in court is pointless.
31:32Get nothing? Why?
31:34I was married to her for three years.
31:36I supported her for three years.
31:39She says divorce, sells the house like it's nothing.
31:42There's no such good deal in the world.
31:44What can we do then?
31:48She hides, don't see us, phone blocks, office won't let us in.
31:53What can we do?
32:03She cares about face, right?
32:05She cares about her job, her reputation, right?
32:08Good.
32:08If she won't let me have peace,
32:10then she won't have any either.
32:13Liam, what are you planning?
32:17Your parents' hometown, Pine Valley.
32:19I'll move the battlefield there.
32:21I'll pour this dirty water on the family you care most about.
32:25I'll make you completely ruined in reputation.
32:29Life went on.
32:30I started looking at new property listings.
32:32The $700,000 from selling the old house,
32:35minus rent and Sarah's fee, left over $600,000.
32:37I wanted to buy a small condo downtown.
32:39Didn't need to be big.
32:40Six or 700 square feet.
32:42But location good, amenities complete.
32:44It would be true completely owned home.
32:45A fortress with only my name on it.
32:47This weekend, I met Sarah for dinner.
32:49We chose a new restaurant.
32:51Nice atmosphere.
32:52Decided which one to buy?
32:54Looked at a few.
32:55Not decided yet.
32:56No rush.
32:57I'll take my time.
32:58Right.
32:58You're a wealthy single lady now.
33:00Gotta plan carefully.
33:01Yeah.
33:02My only worry now is how to spend the money.
33:03We chatted, drank wine, relaxed.
33:05Looking at the city nights out the windows,
33:07I felt if in a dream.
33:08Just half a week ago,
33:09I was the humble housewife guarding an empty house
33:11waiting for her husband's scraps of attention.
33:13Now, I could sit here, calmly planning the rest of my life.
33:16Freedom tasted really good.
33:18Seriously.
33:19Once all this is over, any plans?
33:21Plans?
33:22Yeah.
33:22Like, start a new relationship?
33:24Not for now.
33:25Once bitten, twice shy.
33:26Right now, I just want to work hard,
33:27live well, love myself.
33:29Men would just slow down my money-making speed.
33:31Well said.
33:32A toast to us, new independent women.
33:36While Sarah and I enjoyed friendship and good food,
33:39Liam's family was squeezed onto a long-distance bus
33:41heading to my parents' town.
33:51Why are we going to this lousy place?
33:53Dirty and chaotic.
33:54Shut up!
33:56It's all because of that bitch Emily.
33:58She took all our money.
34:00When we get to her hometown,
34:01we'll make a scene right at her door.
34:04Tell all her relatives and neighbors
34:06what kind of trash she is.
34:08Yes!
34:09We'll say she had an affair.
34:10Stole all the family money.
34:12See where her parents find their faces.
34:14And go to her parents' workplace?
34:16Her dad's a civil servant, right?
34:18Cares most about face.
34:19We'll make a scene at his office.
34:21See how he shows his face.
34:23As if they could already see my family's life
34:25turned upside down by me.
34:26Forced to yield.
34:27Only a sick sense of pleasure.
34:30Oh, you care about your family, right?
34:33I'll tear it all to pieces.
34:35Let you know what happens when you fight me.
34:36The bus drove on the highway,
34:38carrying this family's malice and madness,
34:41roaring towards my peaceful life.
34:43The storm hit when I was least prepared.
34:44It was a Monday.
34:45I was in a departmental weekly meeting.
34:47My mom called, over and over.
34:49My mom rarely called during work hours unless urgent.
34:51My heart sank.
34:52Excuse myself from the director.
34:54Stepped out to take the call.
34:57Mom, what's wrong?
35:00Emily.
35:01Liam and his family.
35:03They're at our house!
35:06My heart plummeted into an ice pillow.
35:08What are they doing?
35:09They, they're making a scene downstairs.
35:11Holding banners, saying you unfully,
35:13saying you'd had an affair,
35:14ran off with the money.
35:15Neighbors are all watching.
35:16Had an affair.
35:16Your dad, your dad's face is white with anger.
35:19Jay's words were like knives stabbing my heart.
35:21I could picture it.
35:23Liam's family, like a bunch of hooligans,
35:24put on a show of distorting the truth
35:26in the community where I grew us.
35:27Liam had truly hit my weak spot.
35:30Mom, don't be afraid.
35:31You and dad, don't go downstairs.
35:33Don't have any contact.
35:34Whatever they say, it locked the doors and-
35:35Emily, what are you going to do?
35:36They're trying to force you back.
35:37I know.
35:38I said, I won't come back.
35:39But I'll handle it.
35:40After hanging up, my hands and feet were icy.
35:42But my mind was extremely clear.
35:44Anger wasn't enough to describe what I felt.
35:46It was a cold desire to fight back from having my bottom line crossed.
35:48You raced the last bit of pity I had for you.
35:50I didn't return to the meeting.
35:51Grabbed my phone and car keys, left the office.
35:53I didn't go to my parents' house.
35:54I knew going now would play right into their hands, make things worse.
35:57I needed to strike at the root.
35:58While driving, I called Sarah.
36:00Put it on speaker.
36:01They're at my parents' place.
36:02Banners, slander.
36:03I stated the score on the other end.
36:05Holy shit, this family's setting new lows for shamelessness.
36:07I need you to do a few things now.
36:09First, immediately file a complaint in my name against Liam Margaret Jenniferi for slander.
36:13Use the photos of the banners at my parents' as evidence.
36:15If neighbors have videos, get them.
36:17Second, help me contact a reliable private investigator.
36:19Investigate what?
36:20Liam.
36:20All his bank records for the past three years, hotel stays, chat lines.
36:23I don't believe he's as clean as he claims.
36:24Someone so selfish, how could he stay faithful for the family's sake?
36:28He's hiding something.
36:29You wanna?
36:30My voice held no warmth.
36:31Give him a taste of his own medicine.
36:33He likes destroying reputations.
36:35Then I'll dig up all his dirty deeds, one by one, and make them public.
36:38He made my parents lose face in their small town.
36:41I'll make him socially ruined in the whole city, even the whole internet.
36:44Got it.
36:44I'll do it now.
36:44For the investigator, don't worry.
36:46A close friend of mine does this.
36:47Absolutely professional and reliable.
36:48Good.
36:48I didn't go home.
36:49Didn't go back to the office.
36:51I drove straight to Liam's parents' old house.
36:53He liked raiding homes, then let him taste having his own nest destroyed.
36:56He thought he chose the battlefield.
36:58He was wrong.
36:59From the moment he hurt my family, the rules of war were mine to set.
37:02The old community where Liam's parents lived, Oak Ridge.
37:05It was built nearly 30 years ago.
37:07Buildings were worn and shabby, wires crawling on walls like aging wrinkles.
37:11I parked outside the community, didn't drive in.
37:13I knew this place.
37:14First year of marriage.
37:15I lived here for half a year.
37:17I knew the biggest power in Oak Ridge wasn't the police, but the group of retired ladies
37:21who had afternoon tea at the cafe, precisely at 3 p.m.
37:25They knew all the community's secrets and controlled the gossip.
37:28I walked into town, straight to the cafe.
37:31Sure enough, several ladies were chatting.
37:33The leader was Mrs. Smith, who lived across from Liam's family.
37:36Sharp-eyed, she saw me first.
37:38Oh?
37:39Isn't that the Wilson's daughter-in-law?
37:41All eyes turned to me.
37:46Mrs. Smith, ladies.
37:48Long time no see.
37:49Oh, it really is, Emily.
37:53You haven't been around in ages.
37:55You've lost so much weight.
38:06What's wrong, dear?
38:10Had a fight with Liam?
38:12No, Mrs. Smith.
38:15We're...
38:16getting a divorce.
38:19What?
38:19What happened?
38:20Luam seemed like such a nice boy.
38:22Yeah, you've only been married three years.
38:28Ladies, you know for the past three holidays,
38:31his whole family went abroad, left me to house-sit?
38:40I used to think I wasn't good enough,
38:42that's why they wouldn't accept me.
38:44I thought if I endured, if I yielded,
38:47someday they'd see me as family.
38:50I was wrong.
38:55They went to my parents' house,
38:57right at my parents' doorstep,
38:59held up banners,
39:00crowsed me,
39:01slandered me,
39:02show I ran off with their money.
39:05Ladies, you tell me.
39:07My voice wasn't loud,
39:08but every word reached their ears clearly.
39:10When I married Liam,
39:11the house we lived in was fully paid for by my parents.
39:13Only my name is on the deed.
39:15Is that their family's money?
39:16Now, I don't want to stay with them anymore.
39:18I sold my own house.
39:20Is that running off with money?
39:22His whole family used my money to frall it in the Maldives.
39:26Came back, found no home,
39:27went to my 70-year-old parents' doorstep,
39:29sturdick if Thrula make trouble,
39:30almost gave my dad a heart attack.
39:33Is there any justice in this world?
39:36I didn't accuse them hysterically,
39:38just stated facts calmly.
39:40But this calmness stirred more sympathy than any crying fit.
39:42The ladies' expressions shifted from gop to anger.
39:44That family's just awful!
39:45Yeah, spending the girls' money,
39:47then bullying her parents.
39:48Margaret always acted so proper.
39:49Who knew she was like this behind the scenes?
39:51I came today just to tell you ladies.
39:53From now on,
39:54I have no relation to the Wilson family,
39:56so they won't drag me into whatever mess they make next.
40:04I didn't knock on that familiar door,
40:06didn't confront the emptiness inside.
40:08I knew within half an hour,
40:10the latest news about the Smith family's ingratitude,
40:13bullying their daughter C,
40:14and driving her parents to the hospital
40:16would spread to every corner of the community.
40:18The face Margaret cared so much about,
40:20I'd help her tear it to shreds with my own hands.
40:24No justice!
40:25Married such a vicious woman!
40:27She tricked us!
40:29Secretly sold the house!
40:31Hundreds of thousands,
40:32all swallowed by her alone.
40:37You say Emily sold the house?
40:40Whose name was on the deed?
40:43Dare to tell the truth?
40:47Green Mimi!
40:48Eat bad your share, Tashin!
40:50Thou could sell it out!
40:50That's not what the flaw says.
40:52Pre-My Bantha Mybray,
40:53Gerniel sold her own house perfectly justified.
40:55What are you making a scene here?
41:02Who's causing a public disturbance here?
41:04Officer!
41:05You have to help us!
41:06My daughter-in-law,
41:07she ran off with the money!
41:09Get up first!
41:10Talk properly!
41:11Emily,
41:12marital affair,
41:14run off with fortune.
41:15You put this up?
41:16Yes.
41:17Evidence,
41:18you say she had an affair.
41:20Proof,
41:20you say she ran off with money,
41:22police report.
41:23Without evidence,
41:23this is public slander.
41:25Illegal,
41:25you know that?
41:26And your behavior has seriously disturbed public order
41:28and damaged the victim's reputation.
41:30Now immediately,
41:31take down those banners and leave,
41:32or we'll take you all to the station.
41:34We,
41:35we're the victims!
41:36Whether you're victims,
41:37tell the court.
41:38Banners here solve nothing.
41:40Take it down!
41:40Now!
41:44So shameful!
41:46Making a fool of themselves in another place!
41:48Yeah,
41:48thought they were so right.
41:50Turns out they're just being unreasonable!
41:55Liam!
41:55You need to come back!
41:56Big trouble!
41:57What's wrong,
41:58Mrs. Smith?
41:58Emily was just here.
42:00She told us everything.
42:01Said the house was hers.
42:02Said you went to her hometown to bully her parents.
42:04Now the whole community knows.
42:05Says your family are in grace.
42:06How will your mom ever show her face outside again?
42:10The call was a bolt from the blue.
42:11His entire body going cold.
42:13His carefully planned plan.
42:14The move he thought would checkmate me.
42:15Had not only completely failed,
42:17I'd counter-attacked and destroyed his own home.
42:18Dual defeat.
42:19He'd lost.
42:20Lost completely.
42:21Liam's family fled back to the city overnight.
42:23They didn't even wait for the long-distance bus.
42:24A lot of expensive train tickets.
42:25No one spoke the whole way.
42:26The carriage was terrifyingly quiet.
42:28Magritte didn't cry or fuss anymore.
42:29Liam Mind kept replaying Mrs. Smith's words on the police warning.
42:33All his plans,
42:34all his leverage,
42:35had collapsed.
42:38Back in that cold,
42:39dampled house,
42:40the family seemed drained of all energy.
42:42Liam,
42:43what now?
42:45Divorce.
42:47He knew he had no other choice.
42:49If he kept making trouble,
42:50he'd only lose worse.
42:51His only hope now is to maybe get some money out of the 700,000 in the divorce.
42:55Even a few thousand would let him breathe.
42:57He was so naive.
42:59He thought all I wanted was divorce and the house.
43:01He didn't know I wanted him to pay for everything he'd done.
43:04Awake later.
43:05Emily,
43:05guess what I've-
43:06What?
43:07Liam,
43:07he's been seeing someone.
43:09Though I'd expected it,
43:11hearing it confirmed still sent a ripple through me.
43:14Not sadness.
43:15A cold laugh of I knew it.
43:18His only hope now was to maybe get some money out of the 700,000 in the divorce.
43:22Even a few thousand would let him breathe.
43:25He was so naive.
43:26He thought all I wanted was divorce and the house.
43:29He didn't know I wanted him to pay for everything he'd done.
43:33The key thing is,
43:34the account he uses to transfer money to that woman is a supplementary card under his name.
43:38The primary card's consumption text mails get sent to his mother Margaret's phone.
43:42What?
43:43Meaning, Margaret knew from the beginning.
43:46Her son was supporting another woman.
43:48Not only knew, she helped cover for your husband.
43:50Every time Liam transferred money, she'd get the alert.
43:53Then come up with excuses to you,
43:55like the family bought some big appliances
43:56or his dad was sick and needed medicine to explain the expense.
44:00Boom.
44:01My mind exploded.
44:02I remembered.
44:03The past two years, there were many times,
44:04Margaret would suddenly say the fridge broke, bought a new one,
44:06or Richard had a full medical checkup, cost a lot.
44:08I never doubted it,
44:08because those amounts weren't outraging for our family income then.
44:10So that's it.
44:10That money all went into another woman's pocket,
44:12and his dear mother was his biggest accomplice.
44:13Coffee spilled scalding my hand.
44:14A feeling more disgusting than betrayal,
44:15more humiliating than deception,
44:16instantly overwhelmed me.
44:17I took a deep breath.
44:18When I spoke again,
44:19my voice was terrifyingly calm.
44:21Gather all the evidence,
44:22bank records,
44:23transfer history,
44:23that woman's photos,
44:24address,
44:25everything.
44:25Compile it.
44:26You want to drop it in court?
44:27No.
44:27I looked out the window.
44:28The city's traffic was a blur of light in my eyes.
44:30Court is too easy on them.
44:31Print all that stuff.
44:32Color.
44:32A hundred copies.
44:33I want to send a set to every department at Liam's company.
44:35Up and down.
44:35Slip a set under every neighbor's door in his community,
44:37and give a set to each of Margaret's old lady friends.
44:39Jennifer Worker's hand deliver.
44:40Then I'll let him taste what real,
44:41complete,
44:41and eternal ruin feels like.
44:43All here.
44:46I opened it.
44:47Stacks of neatly printed A4 paper.
44:50All high quality color.
44:52First page.
44:53A selfie of the college girl.
44:55She smiled sweetly.
44:57Starting second page.
44:57Dense bank statements.
44:58From two years ago,
44:59every month,
45:00transfer of a few thousand from Liam's supplementary card to this girl's account.
45:02Memo.
45:02Living spades.
45:03Further on,
45:04movie ticket stubs from their outings.
45:05Receipts from different restaurants.
45:06Even a Reservation Springs hotel in it closed near a beautiful.
45:08I flipped through page by page.
45:10No expression on my face,
45:11but my heart felt like countless ants crawling.
45:12Not jealousy.
45:13Not heartbreak.
45:14A deep nausea from being deceived and played for a fool.
45:16So while I was scrimping and saving for this family,
45:17hesitating to buy new clothes,
45:18my husband was using our shared resources to give another woman a princess-like life.
45:21And his mother,
45:21my mother-in-law,
45:23they weren't a family,
45:23they were a criminal gang.
45:24And I was the victim they united to exploit to the footest.
45:26120 sets total.
45:2730 sets will be sent by anonymous career to Liam's company's executive office,
45:29HR,
45:30and every colleague in his department by noon today.
45:3150 sets.
45:32I've got someone who will slip them under every door
45:33and into every mailbox in his parents' community tonight.
45:3530 sets will be delivered to Jennifer Fee's kindergarten tomorrow.
45:37Every teacher will see.
45:38Last 10,
45:39backup.
45:39Her plan was more thorough than I thought.
45:42Don't mention it.
45:43I was just afraid you'd soften.
45:44We start,
45:45there's no turning back.
45:46Why would I turn back?
45:46When they held banners,
45:47stood at my parents' doorsteps,
45:48slandering me with the worst words,
45:49did they give me a way back?
45:50When his mom helped him lie to me like a fool for two years,
45:53did they think of leaving a me a way out?
45:54I'm not softening.
45:56Right now,
45:56I just want to see them burn.
45:58Okay,
45:59I understand.
46:00Packages go out at noon.
46:01Tomorrow,
46:02the show begins.
46:05Do it.
46:06Make this judgment hit harder.
46:08That afternoon,
46:09I didn't go back to the office.
46:10I went to see the small condo I'd had my eye on.
46:13Over 700 square feet,
46:15one bedroom,
46:16with a large south-facing balcony.
46:17I signed the contract on the spot and paid in full.
46:20Holding that purchase contract in my own name,
46:23I stood in the empty,
46:24unfinished space.
46:25Sunlight through the windows fell on me.
46:28Warm.
46:28I knew starting tomorrow,
46:30the sun would set for Liam and his family.
46:32And my sun was just beginning to rise.
46:34He one had a depressing couple of days.
46:36Didn't dare go out,
46:37afraid neighbors would point fingers at her.
46:39Everyone went to work getting strange looks.
46:41Everyone vented their resentment on Boom.
46:43He'd get nothing.
46:44He still thought maybe he could talk to me again,
46:46play the victim.
46:47Maybe my heart would soften.
46:48Holding on to that fantasy,
46:49he went to work.
46:50He immediately sensed something was wrong.
46:52Walking in,
46:52all his colleagues looked at him strangely.
46:54Not the previous sympathy or gossip,
46:56but a mix of contempt,
46:57disgust,
46:57and mockery,
46:58like looking at garbage.
46:59His heart sank.
47:00An ominous premonition crept in.
47:02Back at his desk,
47:03he saw an unmarked yellow manoeary envelope.
47:05Puzzled,
47:05he opened it.
47:06When he saw the contents,
47:07his mind went completely blank.
47:08The girl's photo,
47:08every transfer record,
47:09the Hot Springs Hotel reservation.
47:10These secrets he thought were tightly hidden,
47:12were now printed and laid out
47:13in the most humiliating way before him.
47:14His hands shook,
47:15and cold sweat instantly soaked his back.
47:17My God,
47:17the affair rumor was true!
47:18Supporting a college student?
47:20How extravagant.
47:21Look at these transfers!
47:22His mom was in on it!
47:22This family is exceptional in the worst way!
47:24No wonder his wife sold the house and divorced him.
47:25I couldn't stand it either.
47:26Those whispers were like poison knives stabbing his ears and tearing in his insides.
47:29He tried to gather the papers,
47:31but his shaking hands made them scatter on the floor.
47:33He squatted down in embarrassment to pick them up.
47:35Just then,
47:36his manager's internal line rang.
47:38His voice was cold as ice.
47:39My office.
47:41Now,
47:41he walked stiffly into the manager's office.
47:43Saw the same file on the manager's desk.
47:46The manager didn't even let him sit.
47:48Company received many copies of your personal resume today.
47:52Very interesting content.
47:55I...
47:55I...
47:56I...
47:56Don't bother.
47:58Narget One,
47:58your personal life isn't our business,
48:00but your behavior has severely affected the company's reputation and work environment.
48:04HR will talk to you.
48:05Go process your termination.
48:07Our company has no room for talent like you.
48:09Fired.
48:10He was fired.
48:12Didn't remember how he left the manager's office.
48:15He was like a puppet whose soul had been taken away.
48:18Went back to his desk
48:19and packed his things under all his colleagues' stares.
48:26Big trouble.
48:27Huge trouble.
48:28Our whole building.
48:30Every apartment door got your photos
48:32and those...
48:32those things shoved under them.
48:34I can't live anymore.
48:36I really can't.
48:40Liam,
48:40what the hell did you do?
48:41The parent group chat at my kindergarten exploded.
48:43The principal told me not to come tomorrow.
48:44I lost my job.
48:45It's all your fault.
48:46One thing after another.
48:48Job,
48:48family,
48:48relatives,
48:49everything he had worked so hard to build collapsed completely within this day,
48:52this hour,
48:52gone without a trace.
48:56He'd lost.
48:58He knew he had completely lost.
49:01Emily didn't fight him.
49:02Didn't argue.
49:04She just moved a finger
49:06and sent him into an irreversible hell.
49:09Three days later,
49:10I got a call from Liam.
49:11It was from an unknown number,
49:12but I knew it was him.
49:13I'm downstairs at your new place.
49:14I know you changed jobs and bought a new condo.
49:16Emily,
49:17you're really something.
49:18Come up.
49:18Sarah had warned me not to meet him alone,
49:20but I knew he had no strength left.
49:21He was just a toothless stray dog.
49:23I needed one last goodbye
49:24to put a period on all this.
49:39sit.
49:40No.
49:41I got fired.
49:42My mom stays home now,
49:44afraid to go out.
49:45My sister got fired too.
49:46Her husband's divorcing her.
49:48My dad had a stroke two nights ago.
49:51He's still in the hospital.
49:52He was disappointed.
49:53My face showed nothing.
49:55Is that why you came?
49:56To say I went too far?
49:57Emily,
49:57I admit I was wrong.
49:58I shouldn't have had someone else.
50:00I shouldn't have lied.
50:00I shouldn't have gone to your parents' place.
50:01I apologize.
50:02Can we not get divorced?
50:03The money,
50:04the house,
50:04I don't want it.
50:05I don't want anything.
50:05I just want you back.
50:06Let's start over.
50:06If it were a month ago,
50:07I might have softened.
50:08Now I just found ridiculous.
50:10Start over.
50:11Do you think everyone has your memory?
50:13Did you forget how you and your mom
50:14used my money to support that college girl?
50:16Did you forget leaving me alone
50:18to house stick for three holidays?
50:19Did you forget pointing your finger in my face
50:21and calling me difficult?
50:22Did you forget taking your whole family
50:23to my parents' doorstep
50:25with banners to slander me?
50:26With each sentence,
50:27his face paled.
50:28My parents treated you like their own son.
50:30You repaid them by making them lose face
50:31in front of all their neighbors.
50:32I treated your family like my own.
50:33You repaid me by treating me like a fool.
50:35You could deceive and sacrifice.
50:36You didn't end up here because of me.
50:38You brought this on yourself.
50:39You loved your family, right?
50:40Thought families should be all together?
50:41Well, now your family,
50:42jobless,
50:43getting divorced and hospitalized
50:44seems pretty all together too.
50:46I...
50:46The divorce papers,
50:47my lawyer already sent them.
50:49Sign it.
50:49This is the last thing
50:50we need to do together.
50:52After you sign, we're even.
50:54From then on,
50:55whether you live or die,
50:56whether you're rich or poor,
50:57it has nothing to do with me.
51:02Fine.
51:07He came.
51:08I'm fine.
51:09He's gone.
51:10Are you okay?
51:10He didn't do anything to you?
51:11He's got no strength left.
51:14True.
51:15After your combination of moves,
51:17even iron would break.
51:18Now,
51:18we just wait for his signature.
51:20Don't worry.
51:21I'll handle it.
51:22I hung up.
51:22I ran myself a hot bath
51:23and added essential oils and bath salts.
51:25Soaked in the warm water,
51:26I closed my eyes.
51:27My mind was no longer filled
51:28with images of Liam and his family
51:29or those humiliating
51:30and angry past events.
51:31I thought about how to decorate my new home.
51:33Lickany filled with gardenias and succulents.
51:34Bedroom walls painted my favorite tiles online.
51:36I even started could finally revolve only about me.
51:39Two days later,
51:39Pimir 2 placed a file before my
51:41the divorce agreement.
51:42On the last page,
51:43a signature,
51:43Liam Wilson.
51:44The handwriting was scrabbled and weak
51:45as if signing those few words
51:46had drained all his strength.
51:47He didn't make any demands.
51:48He walks away with nothing.
51:49He accepted it.
51:50He had no choice.
51:51Right.
51:51His lawyer said when he came to sign,
51:52he looked like a lost soul.
51:54He signed, left,
51:54and didn't set a word.
51:55I picked up the agreement
51:56and looked at those words.
51:58Felt calm.
51:59I thought I'd feel the joy of revenge fulfilled.
52:01I didn't.
52:02It was like walking
52:03and getting mud on your shoe.
52:04You scrape it off with some effort.
52:06You don't celebrate victory
52:07over the fallen mud.
52:08You just feel your foot is finally clean.
52:10Emily and I went to the courthouse
52:12to finish the last formalities.
52:13When the clerk handed me
52:14the final divorce decree,
52:15I let out a long, deep breath.
52:17The three-year nightmare
52:18was finally, legally, over.
52:20Leaving the courthouse,
52:21the sun was shining brightly.
52:23Congratulations,
52:23Miss Fish one reborn.
52:24Likewise.
52:25Who wins another beautiful case?
52:27Of course.
52:28Dinner's on you tonight.
52:28The fanciest French recipe.
52:29Deal.
52:29I looked at the divorce refree
52:31in my hand,
52:31then placed it in the deepest part
52:32of my bag.
52:33I probably would never
52:34take it out again.
52:34Your dad,
52:36the hospital is asking
52:37for payment again.
52:38How much?
52:39Another 30,000.
52:42Liam,
52:43do you have any money left?
52:47Mom, I...
52:48I'll figure something out.
52:49Figure something out?
52:50What could he do?
52:51His life seemed to be
52:52at a dead end.
52:53He suddenly thought of Emily,
52:55her standing in that bright
52:56new home looking down at him.
52:57What rose in his heart
52:58wasn't hatred,
52:59but a desperate regret
53:00he couldn't be difficult.
53:01If this year,
53:01he had insisted she come
53:02to the Malvives,
53:03would everyday changes possible?
53:05Time passed quickly.
53:06Summer arrived.
53:07My new home was decorated
53:09and aired out for three months.
53:10I officially moved in.
53:11All the furniture and decorations
53:13were of my own choices.
53:14The Galtonies on the Alteny
53:15bloom climb,
53:16filling the place
53:17with a sweet fragrance.
53:18I changed jobs.
53:19A foreign company,
53:20position,
53:21marketing manager.
53:22Salary was significantly higher.
53:23New colleagues were friendly
53:24and the work atmosphere was good.
53:26I completely said goodbye
53:27to my old social circle
53:28and those gossipy rumors.
53:29On weekends,
53:29I was no longer tied to the kitchen.
53:31I'd meet Sarah
53:31or work up a sweat at the gym.
53:33I signed up for French classes.
53:34Twice a week,
53:35starting from the basic bonjour.
53:36I wasn't my weight,
53:37but my complexion improved.
53:38Men started showing interest.
53:40Work contacts was now
53:41for gym trainer.
53:41I didn't need someone else
53:42to make it better.
53:43In July,
53:44my company had a chance
53:45to attend an industry summit
53:46in Paris, France.
53:47The director gave the Zweifel Tower
53:49and took a photo to me,
53:50posted it on my Instagram.
53:51No caption.
53:52So quickly liked it
53:53and commented,
53:54I mean the person.
53:54I looked at the post row,
53:55the woman in a long dress
53:56smiling brightly,
53:57yet extremely familiar.
53:58So this was what it felt like
53:59to live for yourself,
54:00not for anyone else.
54:01So happy.
54:02Meanwhile,
54:03on the other side of the city,
54:04Liam's family's life was a mess.
54:06After a stroke,
54:07he was paralyzed on one side
54:08and needed constant care.
54:09Margaret couldn't handle it alone,
54:10completely losing her former vitality.
54:12She cried all day
54:13and aged rapidly.
54:14Jennifer finally got divorced.
54:15Her child went to live
54:16with ex-husband.
54:17Job she moved out
54:17of her parents' house
54:18and her face filled
54:19with the utmost face
54:20in chief of despair
54:21and regret.
54:21Looked for work for a long time,
54:23but failed for various reasons.
54:24His reputation in that circle
54:26was completely ruined.
54:27Finally,
54:27he started driving
54:28for a rideshare service.
54:29One day,
54:30he picked up passengers
54:31going to the airport.
54:32The passengers,
54:33a young couple with a kid
54:34heading to the Maldives.
54:35He listened to their
54:36excited discussions
54:37about the Maldivian scenery
54:38in the back seat.
54:39Every word felt like
54:40a needle piercing his heart.
54:41He couldn't help glancing
54:42at the young wife
54:43in the rearview mirror.
54:44She was gently wiping sweat
54:45from her husband's forehead.
54:46Her husband looked at her
54:47with full of Emily.
54:48Remembered she used
54:49to look at him like that
54:50and he had personally
54:51shattered that tenderness.
54:52He leaned on the steering wheel
54:53and finally cried bitterly
54:56like a child.
55:02Emily.
55:04Mrs. Smith told me today
55:05that the Wilson's old house
55:07was sold.
55:08Oh?
55:09Heard it was to pay
55:10for Richard's,
55:11his dad's medical bills.
55:13Sold for over $800,000,
55:14paid off a lot of debts,
55:16and the rest is only enough
55:17to cover about a year's
55:18hospital expenses.
55:19The family moved
55:20to rent a place
55:20farther out in the suburbs.
55:21Heard the place
55:22doesn't even have
55:22a decent grocery store nearby.
55:24Hmm.
55:25And that Liam,
55:26it seems he came back
55:27to our area a few days ago,
55:29went to your Uncle Johnson's,
55:30asked if he could pull
55:31some strings to get him a job.
55:32Your Uncle Johnson
55:33chased him away with scolding.
55:34Heard he looks
55:35especially down and out now.
55:36Those people,
55:37those events,
55:37even Nors
55:38went his last or his last entry.
55:39Emily,
55:40do you still hate them?
55:42I looked in the mirror,
55:44peeled off the mask,
55:45and saw my radiant self.
55:47I smiled.
55:48Mom,
55:49it's not hate anymore.
55:50Now I just want to live
55:51my own life well.
55:52Whether they're doing well or not,
55:53it has nothing to do with me.
55:55Yes,
55:55nothing.
55:56That was true letting go.
55:57Not selling the house,
55:58not getting divorced,
55:59not taking revenge.
56:00But when their names
56:01appear in your life again,
56:02your heart doesn't stir
56:03a single ripple.
56:03They become background noise
56:04in your life.
56:05Blurry,
56:06unimportant.
56:07Hung up.
56:07I poured myself a glass of red wine
56:09and walked to the balcony.
56:10The summer night breeze
56:11carried a coolness.
56:13The city's neon lights
56:14flickered in the distance,
56:15like a bright galaxy.
56:16My phone dinged.
56:18It was Sarah.
56:19I smiled and replied,
56:20maybe.
56:21I didn't agree immediately,
56:22nor did I refuse.
56:23My heart was open.
56:24My future held endless possibilities.
56:26I could choose to go,
56:27or not.
56:28I could choose to meet new people,
56:29or keep enjoying the peace
56:30of being alone.
56:31This feeling of being fully
56:32in control of my own life
56:33made me extremely at ease.
56:35I took a sip of wine.
56:36Remembered three years ago,
56:37when I married Liam,
56:38I thought marriage
56:39was my final destination.
56:41Later I understood,
56:42no one is your final destination.
56:44You yourself are.
56:45When you become strong
56:46and complete,
56:46you no longer need anyone
56:48to prove your worth.
56:49That door to the past
56:50was completely closed.
56:51Before me was sunlight,
56:52and the entire world.
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